Think Small, Give Big: Your Guide to Throwing a Small Fundraiser

Posted on 06/10/2013

The lights, the glitz and the glamour of a big fundraising event can be magical. All of those people gathered in one place to support an amazing cause is a great way to get a large amount of donations all in one night.

But that’s not the only way to give back and fundraise for an organization. Whatever happened to simplicity? Don’t overlook smaller donations and small fundraising events (that you can be a part of). Because after all, every donation counts, and small donations add up over time. This is your chance to take the reigns and make a difference. Here’s how.

Step 1: Determine a Plan of Action
It’s as easy as picking an organization that you’d love to throw a small fundraising event for. Who is near and dear to your heart? Pick a nonprofit that you have a personal connection with, or a personal connection to the cause. It’ll make it easier for you to advocate.

Then, come up with the type of event you’d like to throw. There are tons of grassroots campaigns that you could start, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Throw a barbecue or block party, gather friends to place phone calls seeking donations or host a party with a silent auction. The possibilities are endless. Enlist a group of friends to help you brainstorm the way that you’d like to help.

Step 2: Call Up Your Favorite Org
People won’t give time or money to an organization that they don’t trust. That’s why it’s so important for your organization of choice to be on board with the fundraising event. Remind the org that you’re doing this to fundraise, and ensure them that you’re fully in charge of the event. All you need from them is a person of contact that could verify that the money you’re donating goes toward their org. Also, if you’re creating any programs or posters, ask for permission to use the nonprofit’s logo. Then remember to tell your guests exactly how the money will be used.

Step 3: Reach Out to Your Favorite People
It’s time to round up the people you know and love that would be on board with helping you make this small fundraiser a success. Just pick a date and let them know.

But it doesn’t have to stop there. You can also reach out to strangers who may be excited to help the cause. People don’t always necessarily trust everything on the Internet. But they do trust other people that they know. If one of your friends tells one of their friends and so on, you could end up gaining a huge new following for the great organization. Remember to start small, but think big.

Step 4: Advocate for Smaller Events in the Future
Now that you’ve planned, don’t forget one of the best parts about throwing a small fundraiser. You have the chance to connect with people on a personal level. It’s the kind of conversation that organizations need to thrive but can often lack at a huge event. People want to know why they should give, and why they should continue to give.

Take time to make sure each of your guests or donors understands the reason that you feel connected to the organization and were compelled to throw a small fundraiser. Try to find a similarity that they can connect with. Explain the easy process of throwing the party or event, and they may be motivated to do the same. Voila! The cycle of giving continues.